Installing a Trolling Motor on a Flats Skiff
- Dave LeGear
- 21 hours ago
- 7 min read
If you fish the Flats, you know stealth is the name of the game. One wrong move, and that trophy redfish or bonefish is halfway to Cuba. That’s where a trolling motor can help — silent, precise, and perfect for slow maneuvering without spooking your quarry when at a distance.
And more on Trolling Motor noise in this quick Sound Bite with our friend Captain Tommy Derringer you can hear by clicking play below:
Installing one on your Flats Skiff or Bay Boat isn't rocket science, but it's essential to get it right the first time!
1. Choosing the Right Trolling Motor:
Before breaking out the tools, make sure you have the correct motor for your boat.
Thrust: Flats Skiffs (Bay Boats more) generally do well with 45–70 lbs of thrust, depending on size and weight.
Shaft Length: You’ll want enough length to stay submerged in choppy conditions, but not so much that it becomes a weed collector.
Control Type: Remote, tiller, or foot pedal. Remote control units are great for Flats fishing where you’re often on the Poling Platform or moving around the boat.
Saltwater Rating: Absolutely essential — salt eats freshwater motors alive.
Tip: When in doubt, go one size up on thrust. It’s like engine horsepower — nobody really complained about having too much.
2. Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
Electric drill and bits
Marine-grade stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers
Backing plate (aluminum or marine plywood with epoxy coating)
Marine sealant (3M 4200 or 5200)
Wrenches and screwdrivers
Wiring kit with marine-grade connectors
Circuit breaker (per manufacturer’s specs)
3. Planning the Mounting Location:
For Flats Skiffs and Bay Boats, the trolling motor is almost always bow-mounted for better tracking and control. Though I do remember a time (showing my age) when many of the Tarpon Guides mounted two on the stern with foot controls for each one...
Dry Fit First: Place the mount on the bow to check for clearance when the motor stows and deploys. Here again, the Shore-Up Mount has the ability to adjust the position on the fly which comes in handy!
Check Hatch Access: Make sure the mount won’t block storage compartments or anchor locker lids.
Backing Plate Considerations: A backing plate spreads the out load and helps prevent fiberglass cracking — non-negotiable for thinned skinned flats boats decks.
4. Installation Steps:
Step 1: Position and Mark (measure three times-drill once)
Place the mounting bracket where you want it. Mark the bolt holes with a pencil or masking tape.
Step 2: Drill the Holes
Drill pilot holes through the deck where marked and the use of painters tape can help. Then, use a bit sized for your bolts, and go very slow to avoid gel coat chipping!
Step 3: Seal and Bolt
Apply marine sealant in each hole to ensure water is kept out. Position the backing plate underneath (inside the bow compartment), then bolt the mount securely and snugly. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this could risk cracking the deck.
Step 4: Wiring
Many shops now (more on that later) refuse to install the supplied wiring power connectors (see below)
Highlighted in yellow are two possible points of power failures with that 3 prong twist lock deck plug, is not very robust... I've frequently found myself repairing them instead of enjoying fishing when they failed again. Fortunately, there are superior solutions available today, with even more later on in this article.
Step 5: Battery Setup
Most trolling motors on Flats Skiffs and Bay Boats use either 12VDC or 24VDC systems.
Opt for deep-cycle capable marine batteries. I'm a strong advocate of Odyssey PC1200 AGM units, having experienced their impressive longevity—three of them lasted 12 years on a previous boat. While they might seem costly initially, their extended lifespan, when properly maintained and charged, makes them a worthwhile investment.
Odyssey PC1200 Dual role AGM battery. Click on the picture to read and order your own new or replacement set. Alternatively, you may consider utilizing some of the newer lithium technology units, which provide significant weight savings. However, we do not yet have enough long-term experience with these units to endorse a specific brand. If you have a brand that you believe we should evaluate, we would appreciate your input so we can reach out to them.
Place the batteries in heavy-duty plastic trays equipped with straps to ensure safety and prevent rust. Additionally, apply marine sealant to the stainless steel screws when securing them to the decking material inside your hatches. I like the use of trays (less weight/easier battery terminal access) instead of boxes. Plastic boxes also work well, but can slow you down when inspecting your batteries and (can) hold more moisture at the same time...
Heavy Duty Plastic Battery tray, and click on the picture to review them for both Group 24 and 27 sized batteries. Place the batteries strategically to maintain the boat's balance, ensuring they don't disrupt the trim or, in some cases, can enhance the boat's stability. Consider them purposeful ballast!
5. Testing and Adjustments
Deploy the motor and check clearance in both the stowed and down positions. Also, ensure proper clearance when launching from and driving back onto your trailer. Again, this is where the Shore-Up mount really shines in giving your flexibility that you do not have with other fixed mounting systems.
Test thrust and steering at low speed first.
Adjust shaft depth so the prop stays submerged but doesn’t dig too deep.
Now, to help this effort, Shore-Up has been most gracious and joined the FlatsNation10 program and offers our Flats Nation viewers and listeners 10% off any order by using the same discount code of FLATSNATION10 as others when placing your system or component order with Shore-Up! 😎
Maintenance for Longevity:
Rinse with the trolling motor off fresh water after every trip. And don't forget the rest of the Skiff and (just as important) the Trailer at the same time... Click here for a popular tip on how to help keep that trailer looking great, as well as the bottom of the hull at the same time!
Lubricate moving parts with marine-approved lubricants.
Check bolts periodically for tightness. Again snug and secure is the key words here, you are NOT trying to set the and secure in place, the head on a Cummings Diesel here and you can crunch some very expensive items to repair if you go and try and Ape on them. 🦍
Inspect wiring for corrosion at least annually -more tips on wiring found by clicking here:
Other thoughts:
Installing a trolling motor on a Flats Skiff is a weekend project that pays dividends every time you ease slowly and as silently as possible into a tailing redfish strike zone. Take your time, use quality parts, and remember — you only want to drill holes in your boat once!
Additional Types of Trolling Motor Mounts?
There are various other trolling motor mounts available on the market, some of which feature powered and quick disconnect options. We have previously reviewed one such type and attempted to contact the manufacturer multiple times for inclusion in this article, but unfortunately, we did not receive a response to our inquiries...
But what if you do not want to tackle installing one yourself?
We totally understand—tackling a project like this isn't everyone's cup of tea. Not everyone feels they have the know-how or confidence to start drilling into their pricey Flats Skiff or Bay Boat for an installation of this type. And some shops (being kind) I would not allow them to wash ours much less, put a drill to it so, do your research and check for shop reviews!
We do though, have several great Skiff Shops here in Florida that can handle these installs and other related repair, refurbish/upgrade projects for you! Miss Rebecca the CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) over at Florida Skiffs has a great method to help get your trolling motor disconnect plugs out of the elements for retro repair/upgrades, or when you are not employing another type of powered trolling motor mount.
You can reach Florida Skiffs at the following:
Address: 945 W State Rd 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708
Email: Floridaskiffllc@gmail.com
Website: Click Here
Phone (call or text): 321-704-1584
And make sure you let them know that Flats Nation sent you!
In the meantime,
We invite you to take in a few Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go by clicking Here: and do share with your family and friends!
Also, check out the "Flats Nation" Merch and Swag collection! if you enjoy our content help support the effort and Rep "The Nation" at the same time! We have some newer works, from T-shirts to our newer Technical wear, all which can be found by clicking Here.
And don't forget about the new Flats Nation Console Caddy to help keep your personal items secure and your phone charged at the same time...
And you can read more about it and order one by clicking here:
And speaking of Skiff and Boat upgrades, make sure you check out our Industry Colleagues over at Ruckus Marine for some unique products for your Skiff and Boat, while using our exclusive saving code (FlatsNation) when you check out at the same time.
Many Blessings!
Dave and the Team
